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Notice what attracts your children's attention, even if they only look at the pictures. Then build on that interest; ... More

PETE THE CAT; I LOVE MY WHITE SHOES

Summary: Pete is taking a walk, singing about how much he loves his white shoes ... until he steps in a pile of strawberries. That's Okay, Pete loves his red shoes and is singing all about them ... until he steps in a pile of blueberries. Pete's shoes change two more colors before we get to the end ... what color will they end up? This is a lightly worded picture book that introduces color, adventure, and the power of a positive attitude. The book comes with a link so you can download the song.

Type of Reading: playtime reading, read aloud book, learning to read

Recommended Age: read together: 2 to 6; read yourself: 6 to 9

Interest Level: 2 to 7

Reading Level: 1.5

Age of Child: Read by an 8-year-old girl.

Young Reader Reaction: This was an instant hit! My daughter instantly loved Pete and enjoyed answering the question "What color did [x] turn his shoes?" She immediately said that after having red shoes and stepping in blueberries that Pete's shoes should be purple, not blue. As she was reading, she would sing the "I love my shoes" refrain to the classic "Camptown Ladies, Sing this song."

Adult Reader Reaction: This is a cute story, and I was shocked when my daughter saw what I heard ... those shoes should be purple. With a younger audience, "blue" might work just fine. There is a lot of repetition, not only in the song refrains, but also in how the questions are posed, so it is a great easy reader.

Pros: Bright colors, a cute cat, and a catchy refrain will get kids involved in reading and singing this story.

Cons: None.

Borrow or Buy: Borrow. This is fun to share, but the kids will like reading it a lot more than you do.

Educational Themes: This is largely a book for reading aloud and enjoying. With young audiences you can use the book to teach color; and with early elementary audiences, it is a nice change of pace as an easy reader.

Notes: The publisher donated a copy of this book knowing that we would consider it for review and provide an independent, unbiased profile. This book will be given to a nonprofit to help readers in need.